Summary of Services

Image Summary of Services

Adult Services

The Adult Services Department provides reference services, reader's advisory, and information programming. There are a variety of Special Collections including Genealogy, Young Adult, Florida History, Literacy, and Foreign Language materials as well as the main reference collection. Many of the basic reference services are also available at the branch libraries.

  • Business & Investment Information
  • Community Information file
  • Electronic Resources
  • Federal Documents Depository
  • Genealogical Information
  • Internet Access
  • Laws (local, state and national)
  • Periodical and newspaper indexes

Audiovisual and Outreach

We provide an enormous variety of "AV" materials to meet your needs. A VCR and monitor, as well as slide and overhead projectors, are available for pre-scheduled, in-library meetings. Use is subject to availability; contact the library for scheduling and other information. The Manatee County Public Library System is NOT RESPONSIBLE for any damage to your equipment through the use of library materials. The Outreach program brings library services and information to the community through Book Talks, Lectures and Slide Programs. Outreach services include book deposit collections in the local nursing homes.

 

Children's Department

In addition to fiction and nonfiction, the Children's Department also provides picture books, easy reading materials, reference, and magazines. Children's programming includes story hours, reading guidance, instruction in the use of the library to individuals and groups, research materials needed for school work, and special events such as summer library programs. Persons interested in current programs are encouraged to phone the nearest library for more information, or pick up a monthly Calendar of Events at the library.

 

The Library Foundation, Inc.

The Library Foundation, Inc. encourages support of the Library in order to fund those services not available through traditional tax base funding. Giving to the Library Foundation, Inc. will help the library achieve excellence and make Manatee County a better place to live. For more information consult the Library Foundation, Inc. brochure or contact Library Administration at 748-5555 x 6306.

 

Friends

Each library has a Friends group of interested library users who support and promote the growth and development of library services for all the people in the community.

 

Other Services

  • The Library System provides other special services:
  • Groups and individuals may place exhibit items in display cases in accordance with policy .
  • Copy machines are available for public use at all libraries.
  • Devices to help the visually impaired are available.
  • Meeting rooms of various sizes are available for use by non-profit groups in accordance with policy.
  • Phonic Ear amplification system is available (at the Central Library only) for hearing-impaired patrons utilizing the meeting rooms.
  • All library locations offer free wireless access (Wi-Fi) in public areas at all times the libraries are open.

Reserves and Inter-Library Loans (ILLs)

If an item you wish to borrow is not on the shelf, you may place a reserve on that item using any Public Access Terminal in the Library or WebPAC. If the item is not owned by the Library, Inter-library Loan service supplements our collection by borrowing materials from other libraries across the nation. Please note that no "new" titles (less than one year old) may be requested.

 

Talking Books

The Talking Books Program provides recorded books and magazines to the blind and physically handicapped, free of charge. Adults and children who can read only large print materials or are unable to hold a book may be eligible. The program is run by the Florida Division of Blind Services in Daytona Beach, Florida. MEDICAL CERTIFICATION IS REQUIRED. For more information about Talking Books for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, please call (toll-free) 1-800-226-6075.

 

Volunteer Opportunities

The Library has an active program for volunteers. They perform a variety of tasks: shelving, filing, typing, checking AV equipment, mending books, and more. They are used in every department and new duties are added regularly to their responsibilities. Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer should call the Library, or pick up an application at any location.